S&W and Taurus Price Check

[JCook5003]

Hey guys-

I am going to pick up a snubby to compliment my other CCW pieces, I have decided I will probably pick up a Taurus with the shrouded hammer lightweight 38 +p, or a S&W j frame.

I dont want to start a quality or brand debate here but how much are you guys seeing these go for buds has the taurus for $280 and the smith for $397 a hundred bucks is a lot of money to me but I have heard rumors of 642's going for around $350. if I can find one that cheap I will spring the $70 extra to get the smith.

I live in Southwest Virginia (Blacksburg) how much are you guys seeing these revolvers go for around your house.....we have a Sportsmans Warehouse right down the road also.

Thanks for the help.
Josh

 

[tinygnat219]

Get the J-Frame. You won't be sorry. Used ones go for between 350-400 up here. New ones a little higher, but then I am in Northern VA where prices are higher for everything.

Suggest you stay away from Taurus products, they are hit or miss, mainly with the miss. I have owned 7 and have had problems with all of them.

Good luck!

 

[03Shadowbob]

Pay now or pay later. It's up to you.
I doubt you'll find a nib 642 for $350 from anywhere. I'd look for a nice used 642 or 442 for $300-$350 before paying $300 (after shipping ,etc) for a new Taurus.

 

[HungSquirrel]

I got a like-new Taurus M85 for $230, but that deal is far sweeter than the average Taurus.

 

[Matt-J2]

Round here a Taurus M85 blued goes for ~$330, and a 637/642 goes for $450. It's pretty rare I ever see one of either used, so no idea on those prices.

 

[Ala Dan]

Taurus & S&W Price Comparison

Folk's don't kid yourself. Taurus is try'in to move up and be a major player
in the firearms market; as their prices for those model 85 snub nose wheel
guns have creeped up at or near the same price as the S&W 637/442/642;
with a total Titanium Taurus 85 ($429) actually costing more than the
Smith's priced at only $399~!

 

[MCgunner]

But, the lock is much better on the Taurus.

I love my Taurus revolvers. Of course, I love my Smith and my Rugers and Rossis and.......

I can tell ya this, even if Taurus is creeping up in MSRP, it's still lower than most Smith models and used prices are FAR superior to Smith used prices, at least down here. I have a like new M66 .357 (think M19 Smith) I picked up some time back for $197. Thing is the most accurate medium frame .357 I've ever owned, that includes a M19, a Security Six, and a Rossi 971. It is as accurate as my 6.5" Ruger Blackhawk. And, it don't have that damned flat spot on the bottom of the forcing cone that is the bane of Smith and Wesson K frames.

Revolvers are a lot easier to check out for proper timing, gap, end shake and play, that sort of thing than autos. If the gun is tight, times perfect, the cylinder gap is good, it's gonna work. You never really know about a used auto until you fire it. I don't know, frankly, if I'll ever buy another new revolver. If you're lucky enough to live in the midwest, you can probably get a deal on a Smith. The gun shows down here, and shops I've seen 'em in, a worn M10 goes for 300 and up. One in the condition MY M10 is would probably grab over $400 (not for sale even at that price). M19s start somewhere around 350-400. It's insane.

I guess it's a good thing I bought my M85SSUL 12 years ago, got it for $285. Apparently the prices are climbing. It's a great little shooter, accurate, and a superb DA trigger, better than any J frame I've fired or tried.

 

[Matt-J2]

Except that you're not comparing like for like there Ala Dan. Try a model 85 stainless ultralight(85SS2UL) with a 637. MSRP being $411 on the former and $545 on the latter according to each mfg website.
The Taurus 850B(hammerless DAO) and S&W 442, are at $398 and $545 respectively. I know MSRP isn't street prices, but I don't see new S&W 637/642/442 round here for much less than $450, and online prices don't beat it by enough to worry over after shipping and transfer fees.

Say what you like about quality, and I know some will, Taurus isn't trying to attach S&W prices to their goods.

 

[mccook8]

Suggest you stay away from Taurus products, they are hit or miss, mainly with the miss. I have owned 7 and have had problems with all of them.

I've owned 4, and have had problems with only ONE - the PT22 which I stupidly dry-fired, breaking the firing pin.

(Don't dry-fire rimfires)